Sometimes, it’s not just the actors on the screen that make a movie memorable. A four-wheeled metal chariot meant to be a prop can play a leading role in the story, stealing the audience’s hearts with its dashing looks and noteworthy antics.
Here are seven movie cars you’ve probably heard of, even if you never saw the film:
1. DeLorean DMC-12 (Back to the Future, 1985)
Well, you might not have heard of the DeLorean brand, but we’re sure you know of the movie Back to the Future. The DeLorean DMC-12 was chosen for its unique, futuristic design. According to the film, its stainless steel body helped with the time-travel flux capacitor. Real-life DeLoreans, however, were infamous for being underpowered and unreliable.
By the way, “flux” and “capacitor” are genuine engineering terms, but no—for now, no time-travel flux capacitor exists.
2. Aston Martin DB5 (Goldfinger, 1964)
If you think of James Bond, you’ll think of the Aston Martin, an auto brand that has become synonymous with Ian Fleming’s slick, stylish secret agent. Though many cars have been used in Bond movies, none quite stick to the mind as much as this iconic looker.
The DB5 in Goldfinger received the usual upgrades from Q, including machine guns, a smoke screen, and rotating license plates.
3. 1973 Ford Falcon XB GT (“V8 Interceptor,” Mad Max, 1979)
The 1973 Ford Falcon XB GT started off as an exclusively Australian muscle car—until Mad Max came along and turned it into one of the most iconic post-apocalyptic cars in movie history. You can just see the rugged, black GT, with its supercharger protruding from the bonnet, making trails in the sandy, dusty, dystopian world of Mad Max. It’s a perfect fit.
4. 1977 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am (Smokey and the Bandit, 1977)
In Smokey and the Bandit, Burt Reynold’s character drove the Firebird to legendary status with the film’s high-speed chases. The sleek, black-and-gold design with the “screaming chicken” decal on the hood, and roaring V8 engine captured the audience so much, skyrocketing Trans Am sales.
Here’s an additional bit of trivia: while the cars used in the movie look like the 1977 model, they were actually the 1976 models that Pontiac modified to look like the 1977 for the filmmakers, as the 1977 model hadn’t yet been released when the movie was made.
Four modified 1976 Trans Am were provided, and every single one was damaged beyond repair, thanks to the many stunts featured in the movie.
5. 1959 Cadillac Miller-Meteor Ambulance (“Ecto-1,” Ghostbusters, 1984)
The Ecto-1 in Ghostbusters (1984) was a modified 1959 ambulance/hearse hybrid. It was originally supposed to be black, but the filmmakers needed it to stand out during nighttime shots—and that’s how we got the recognizable white Ecto-1. If you think about it, the dramatic tailfins and high roofline do give the car a spooky vibe that’s well-suited to the movie’s theme.
6. Mini Cooper S (The Italian Job, 1969 & 2003)
You have to admit there’s something about Mini Coopers that makes them such interesting “characters” in movies and TV series.
The Mini Cooper S starred in both The Italian Job (1969) and its 2003 remake, showcasing its agile, nimble handling in thrilling action scenes. We’re talking beyond high-speed chases here—think more in the direction of flying off rooftops and driving through sewers. Both films cemented the Mini’s reputation as a film icon and a symbol of British ingenuity and charm.
On that note, let’s give honorable mention to Mr. Bean’s recognizable British Leyland Mini 1000, which is often involved in his bizarre, comic antics.
7. 1967 Chevrolet Impala (Supernatural Series)
Supernatural isn’t a movie, but we just couldn’t leave out this iconic Chevy Impala that ferried the Winchester Brothers from one monster hunt to the next. Known as “Baby,” this car is so integral to the story that it even has the 4th episode in Season 11 dedicated to it, aptly named “Baby,” where the entire tale is told from the car’s perspective. Now, that’s a unique take!